Friday, February 03, 2017

Trying Softer

I find myself under a lot of pressure in my day job at this time but am trying to stay calm and do what I need to do to get things done. I know I can rely on the rest of the team to do the right things so I can let them get on with it.

The urge to try harder when things don't quite go right is a common one, but a project manager trying too hard is a sure sign of insecurity and incompetence. When we are in control and know what we are doing we are relaxed and at peace with ourselves and our project. 

The Way  
The wise project manager knows that trying to rush things gets you nowhere. He knows that fame will complicate his life and compromise simplicity in his day to day work. He knows that selfishness obscures his deeper self. Therefore he avoids all these things. He does his work and moves on. 

The Tao  
Lao Tzu tells us:  

Standing on tiptoe is not steady. 
Being self-centered is not enlightened. 
Being self-righteous is not respected. 
Boasting is not being grown-up. 

Those who follow the Tao,
Call these surplus food or baggage.  
Something found bad.  
The followers of the Tao avoid them.